By Joe Cadotte and photojournalist Jeff Ernewein, FOX 21 News

MINONG, Wis. - More than three quarters of all fatal car accidents in Wisconsin happen in rural areas. So a first of its kind traffic safety system is being installed at one of the most dangerous intersections in northwestern Wisconsin to help save lives.

The intersection of U.S. Highways 53 and State Highway 77 in Minong is one of only two sites in the nation to test the new traffic safety equipment. "If there's a car within that danger zone it'll give a 'no crossing' symbol," said Wisconsin Department of Transportation Traffic Engineer Morris Luke.

Luke said if the equipment reduces car crashes in Minong, similar equipment might pop up across the nation. "It's another tool in our tool box that can aid in hopefully reducing crashes," he said.

When the police aren't around, some people roll through stop signs, one of the most dangerous things drivers can do amidst 65 mile per hour traffic. "It actually makes me feel uncomfortable because knowing that goes on."

Minong Acting Police Chief Dennis Stuart said the new equipment will give him peace of mind. "I would like to believe that that signing system is going to decrease accidents at this intersection."

More people die in rural car accidents than anywhere else in Wisconsin because people are rolling through stop signs and not looking both ways before they cross a highway, Stuart said the new traffic safety equipment will let them know that there is a car coming."

If operators would stop, take a little time, pay attention, I think that would contribute to helping fewer accidents as well." On the flip side, Luke said people might rely on the signs instead of looking both ways. "Nothing's going to replace your eyes and brain."

Stuart said the intersection of Highways 53 and 77 claim at least one life per year.  Leaders hope the equipment will end this deadly trend.

Luke said the equipment will be turned on sometime in December; it will take at least a year to determine whether or not the equipment reduces accidents.